Pokok gandarusa (Justicia gendarussa), is a medicinal shrub widely used in traditional Malay, Indonesian, Indian, and other Southeast Asian herbal medicine. Most remedies use the leaves, although the roots and stems are also used in some traditions.
Traditional medicinal uses
Traditionally, gandarusa has been used for:
- Joint and muscle pain (rheumatism, arthritis, sprains)
- Inflammation and swelling
- Headache and fever
- Asthma and bronchitis
- Digestive complaints such as indigestion
- Skin conditions and wound care
- Postpartum care, including herbal baths
- Pain relief for muscle aches and back pain
Modern research
Laboratory and animal studies indicate that compounds in Justicia gendarussa may have several biological activities:
- Anti-inflammatory – reduce inflammatory responses.
- Pain-relieving (analgesic) – supports its traditional use for muscle and joint pain.
- Antioxidant – contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds that help neutralize free radicals.
- Antimicrobial – shows activity against some bacteria and fungi in laboratory studies.
- Antidiabetic – early animal studies suggest it may help lower blood glucose, but human evidence is limited.
- Hepatoprotective – protect the liver in experimental models.
- Immunomodulatory – influence immune function.
- Anticancer – some extracts inhibit cancer cells in laboratory experiments, but this has not been established as a treatment in humans.
Active compounds
Gandarusa contains several bioactive substances, including:
- Flavonoids
- Alkaloids
- Tannins
- Phenolic compounds
- Terpenoids
- Patentiflorin A
